Our first game in Pool B was against Green Bay High School, the team started well scoring early and confidence grew quickly as the game went on. A convincing 37-0 win with tries to Spencer Capper (Year 10, Parnell), Taylor Bai (Year 10, Parnell), Jayden Arahanga-Blaney (Year 10, School), Charlie Burn (Yeare 10, School), Kace Hipkins-Taimai (Year 10, Parnell), 2 tries and 1 conversion to Parekaahu Keepa (Year 9, Parnell).
Game 2 against Pakuranga College did not start well with an early try to the opposition and some basic errors from our boys which contributed to a slow start. Once the team held on to possession they quickly established their dominance with tries to Charlie Burn, 2 to Christian Collins (Year 10, Major), Ethan Ola (Year 10, Averill) and a conversion to Parekaahu Keepa winning 22-7.
Game 3 against Edgewater College saw a young team step up and play some attractive rugby to win convincingly 55-0. Finishing top in Pool B we faced off against Kelston BHS winners of Pool A.
In a real arm wrestle and tight game our boys defended with vigour and gave it their all but a few crucial errors in attack lead to missed opportunities and we went down 5-0.
Overall the day was very satisfying seeing a young group of boys learn about the requirements of playing in a one-day tournament and there were many learnings from the experience. The boys showed fine resilience to get up every hour and play with pride.
Sacred Heart College pipped Kelston BHS in a last play win 26-24
Howick College won the girls defeating AGGS 21-19.
Thank-you to physio Sarah Fanuatanu, Coach Lucky Smythe and Paul Stanton for supplying the amazing packed lunches.
Scott Palmer
Head of Rugby
